Basal cell carcinoma in young adults

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Abstract
Summary The epidemiology and outcome of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in adults aged 15–34 years were examined. Northern Region Cancer Registry data from 1979 to 1989 revealed a crude annual incidence of 37/100.000 total population and the incidence was constant in all age-groups during this period: 150 patients (1–2%) were aged 15–34 years. There was a small excess of females in the young age-group. The outcome of BCC in young adults was determied using records of all patients registered over 5 years ago and additonal information from family doctors where required. Patients with BCC in naevus sebaceous or with syndromes of which BCCs are a feature were excluded. Median duration of BCC pre-diagnosis was 3 years. Of 39 patients with completed 5-year follow-up date. 21% had either incomplete excision requiring further early treatment (n=4), a later local recurrence (n=2), metastatic BCC (n=1) or a subsequent furhter primary tumour (n=1): an additional three patients had two primary tumours at initial presentation. Median hospital follow-up was 12 months but the apparent disease-free interval in patients with recurrent or new BCC was frequently over 2 years. BCC in young adults may not be suspected because it is uncommon. However, the high frequency of local recurrence and of mulitiple primary tumours indicates that careful follow-up is prudent in young patients with this tumour.

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